Noncontiguous Cluster Development

Farmland in N. Hanover. Photo: Nicole Heater

New Jersey has long had municipal land-use tools that help to direct development to places where it makes the most sense – where it will enhance the community and where services can be provided effectively and efficiently. The state has also had ways to create parks and recreational areas, and to preserve open space, farmland and historic sites, sometimes without the use of taxpayer money. However, there have been limits on how these tools can be implemented.

In 2013 the state legislature passed an update to the cluster development provisions in New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law, giving municipalities greater authority to include contiguous and noncontiguous clustering and lot-size averaging in their land-use regulations. Municipalities now have the option of directing development through their existing zoning ordinances, or of offering landowners and developers additional benefits via these updated clustering opportunities. New Jersey Future and many partners were integrally involved in crafting this legislative update and working to get it passed.